Field Days, Montserrat — New Craft Artists in Action / NCAA Net Works

prev / next

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

In the Summer of 2015, Montserrat College of Art’s Galleries organized a series of four Pop-Up Exhibitions in Beverly, MA. These shows, featuring a new theme and a range of public programs each week, were guest-hosted by regional curators, artists and critics for the month of June. For week 4 curator Pam Campanaro, a kindred spirit by way of her experience with athletics and art, invited the New Craft Artists in Action to exhibit.

For our pop-up Field Days the NCAA transformed Montserrat Galleries into a vibrant Track-and-Field-inspired mixed-use space.

Often held in Spring at the end of the school year, the Field Day serves as a celebratory student utopia in an extracurricular, autonomous zone. Such light-hearted competitions, separate in nature from gym class requirements or exclusive school sport championship, provide opportunities for students to participate in competitive physical challenges in a more open and collaborative environment. The NCAA’s project used the playful context of these grammar school festivities, such as the three-legged race or balloon toss, as a jumping off point for performing absurdist and cross-disciplinary games. Aesthetically, the installation draws from historical Olympics branding and design, to reference an alternate vision of a global utopian/dystopian model.

In the days leading up to the exhibition reception, visitors were invited to explore the recreational gallery space through free-form, self-governed engagement. NCAA artists Taylor McVay, Andrea Evans, and Maria Molteni were on site to install the space and develop a new publication. “Sports Illustrated” includes a how-to catalogue of Field Day Finale events, images and reference material that inspired the project, and an essay feature by curator Pam Campanaro.

At the closing Field Day Finale, guests were encouraged to participate in a variety of lively craft and athletic-based challenges.

Field Day Olympians competed for a chance to win books, jerseys, prints, and other NCAA wares. Visitors and readers were asked to consider the implications of the ‘Home Court Advantage’ in the context of their own comfort zones and physical abilities. All ages and skill levels were welcome to join the fun. The “Sports Illustrated” zine aided in leveling the playing field and providing everyone with basic skills to compete.

FIELD DAYS / MONTSERRAT COLLEGE OF ART